By Samuel Peters
In a thrilling encounter that showcased sublime power hitting by Mikyle Louis, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons emerged victorious against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by a narrow margin of 2 wickets, in the Caribbean Premier League in St Kitts and Nevis.
In an encounter which came down to the wire with just two balls remaining, the Falcons clinched victory and are now on a two-game winning streak after beating the Trinbago Knightriders in their final home game.
Batting first, the Patriots posted a competitive total of 153 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was highlighted by a blistering knock from Mikyle Louis, who smashed 63 off just 36 balls, including two fours and an impressive seven sixes. His strike rate of 175.00 provided the backbone of the Patriots’ innings and set the tone for a high-scoring match.
Supporting acts came from Wanindu Hasaranga (23 off 14) and Kyle Mayers (22 off 16), whose quick-fire innings provided the momentum for Louis’ carnage. Despite the onslaught, the Falcons’ bowling attack showed resilience, with Mohamed Amir collecting three for 27, while spinner Kofi James, Imad Wasim, and Fabian Allen claimed two wickets each.
The Falcons’ response was a test of nerves with bits of brilliance and indiscretion but all in all a great team effort. Openers Brandon King (29 off 16) and Justin Greaves (30 off 16) provided an explosive start, both scoring at strike rates over 180.
But when the spin of Wanindu Hasaranga was introduced, the match quickly swayed between both sides as a tug of war ensued. After steamrolling at 80 for two from 7.2 overs, the flow of runs was quickly halted like dropping into one of Antigua’s infamous potholes. The Sri Lanka mystery spinner removed removed Jewel Andrew and Shamar Springer in two balls to leave the Falcons losing flight at 91 for five needing 63 from 51 balls.
Thankfully, the team could call on the bustling figure of Roshon Primus who came to the crease and walloped the mystery spinner, taking 10 runs out his final over to get the team back on track. He was dismissed with the visitors needing 14 to win from 10 balls, thus bringing Allen to the crease, who did what he does best by sealing the victory swathing a six and a four in the final over, followed by a single for the winning run.
The Falcons will now travel to St Lucia to play the St Lucia Kings on Wednesday.
